Press Center
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DOJ civil rights protection authority gutted
WASHINGTON — This week the current administration continued dismantling bedrock civil rights and environmental justice protections as it issued a final rule, without public comment, rescinding U.S. Department of Justice disparate impact rules. A disparate impact occurs when a policy or action causes a disproportionate and unjustified...
Conservation groups object to polluter-written PFAS and 1,4-dioxane rules
Timeline reveals origin of polluter-friendly PFAS & 1,4-dioxane rules proposed by North Carolina commission CHAPEL HILL, N.C.—The Southern Environmental Law Center today sent a letter to the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission on behalf...
PSC Staff reverses course on data center concerns, endorses Georgia Power’s fossil fuel reliant plan
ATLANTA — In a stunning reversal to expert claims that Georgia Power’s fossil fuel heavy plan to meet data centers’ needs is a risk to customers, Georgia Public Service Commission Public Interest Advocacy Staff (Staff)...
Fuel economy standards at risk
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently released a proposal to significantly weaken fuel economy standards for cars and light-duty trucks. These standards, which first went into effect in the face...
Dominion customers to see rate increase, though SCC takes steps designed to ensure data centers pay fair share
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — Today, Virginia’s State Corporation Commission (SCC) issued a final order in Dominion Energy’s rate case. While the Commission approved a substantial rate increase, it is significantly lower than what Dominion had requested. The Commission also took a number of steps aimed at mitigating burdens on residential customers, while placing more financial responsibility onto the utility’s largest customers—primarily data centers—who are necessitating increased investment. Importantly, the Commission...
SCC greenlights proposed Chesterfield gas plant
RICHMOND, VA — Today after years of public opposition from local community members and residents throughout Virginia, the State Corporation Commission (SCC) issued an order approving a certificate of public convenience and necessity (CPCN)...
Environmental, clean energy groups, landowners file protest to MVP Southgate application
Washington, DC - Today, the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) filed a protest with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to Mountain Valley Pipeline’s (MVP) application to amend its certificate of public convenience and necessity for the proposed MVP Southgate gas pipeline.
Judge dismisses ‘frivolous’ SLAPP suit against historic Alabama churches
BELLE MINA, Ala. – Today an Indiana judge dismissed a lawsuit against two small, historic Alabama churches and a pastor that attempted to punish them for exercising their right to oppose a highly disruptive quarry...
Offshore drilling plan leaves out Atlantic, proposes leases in Gulf
WASHINGTON — Today, the Trump administration released its draft five-year plan for the offshore drilling leasing program. Strong opposition to opening the Atlantic coast to offshore drilling – and the Trump administration’s 10-year moratorium – is reflected in the plan, yet...
New Endangered Species Act Changes Proposed by Trump Administration Would Harm Beloved Wildlife in the South
WASHINGTON – Today, the Trump Administration proposed a sweeping set of changes to the regulations that implement the Endangered Species Act (ESA) that if enacted would harm beloved wildlife and their habitats in the South. ...